Centennial Road — Big Sandy Lodge Approach via New Fork Canyon
Wind River Range western gate. Ford required.
New Fork Canyon is the kind of Wyoming route that doesn’t advertise itself — you turn off the paved road south of Pinedale, drop into the canyon where the New Fork River cuts through rust-colored sandstone, and start climbing toward the Wind River Range’s western flank. The road to Big Sandy Lodge has been the access corridor for generations of pack strings, elk hunters, and now overlanders who want a proper base camp with the high country close enough to smell. The route crosses New Fork River at a well-known low-water ford before climbing through lodgepole timber onto the open bench that leads to Big Sandy Opening, with Fremont Peak and the Cirque of the Towers looming above at over 12,000 feet.
The ford is the gatekeeper — it’s typically low and manageable in late summer but can run knee-deep and fast in June. A 4WD rig with at least 10 inches of clearance handles the crossing and the rocky two-track above it without drama; a stock crossover does not belong here. Bridger-Teton National Forest manages this corridor; no permit required for dispersed camping, but the Big Sandy Lodge itself operates under a special use permit and books up months in advance. Best season is July through September. Pinedale is your fuel and supply stop — 45 miles out. No cell service past the canyon mouth. This road earns everything it shows you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | Half day to 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9100 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Pinedale, WY |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest — Pinedale Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Pinedale Ranger District |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig like a Tacoma or 4Runner will manage most of this route, but the rocky sections and water crossing demand genuine ground clearance — not just AWD. Lifted rigs have more margin; a bone-stock crossover SUV will get hurt.
When does this road actually open in the spring, and is it snow-free by June?
July through September is the reliable window. June snowmelt at 9,100 ft can leave the upper sections soft, rutted, or outright blocked. Don't count on early June access without checking current conditions with the Pinedale Ranger District first.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive the New Fork Canyon approach into Bridger-Teton?
No permit is required to drive the road or camp dispersed on Bridger-Teton National Forest land. If you're continuing into the Bridger Wilderness on foot, a free self-issue wilderness permit is required at the trailhead.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it difficult?
The water crossing is the crux — it's a legitimate ford, not a culvert or bridge, and runoff levels vary significantly depending on snowpack and time of year. Hit it in peak July melt and you'll want to walk it before you drive it; late August it may be ankle-deep.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there cell service anywhere on the route?
Pinedale is your last fuel stop — top off there, it's roughly 20–25 miles from the start and there is zero cell service for the entire 38-mile route. Carry a satellite communicator; if something goes wrong out here, nobody's calling for help on a phone.
Trail track
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